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Operational Risk Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Business risk specialist responsible for supporting and executing governance activities ... Serves as a key contributor to operational risk management efforts by providing analysis ...

Business risk specialist responsible for supporting and executing governance activities ... Serves as a key contributor to operational risk management efforts by providing analysis ...

Business risk specialist responsible for supporting and executing governance activities ... Serves as a key contributor to operational risk management efforts by providing analysis ...

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Operational Risk Specialist information

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$38K

$100.5K

How much do operational risk specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational risk specialist in the United States is $94,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by an operational risk specialist, and how are they addressed within a team environment?

Operational Risk Specialists often encounter challenges such as identifying emerging risks in rapidly changing business environments, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and fostering a risk-aware culture across departments. These challenges are typically addressed through close collaboration with business units, regular risk assessments, and continuous communication with compliance and audit teams. Working within a multidisciplinary team allows specialists to share insights, develop effective risk mitigation strategies, and ensure that risk controls are both practical and aligned with organizational objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational risk specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Risk Specialist, you need a solid understanding of risk management frameworks, regulatory requirements, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with risk assessment tools, GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) systems, and certifications such as FRM or ORM are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you identify, assess, and report risks proactively. These skills are crucial for minimizing losses, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting organizational resilience.

What is the difference between Operational Risk Specialist vs Credit Analyst?

AspectOperational Risk SpecialistCredit Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, certifications like FRM or ORMBachelor's degree, certifications like CFA or credit-specific courses
Work EnvironmentFinancial institutions, risk management teamsBanks, lending institutions, financial services
Employer & Industry UsageRisk management departments in financeLoan departments, credit risk units
Common Search & ComparisonOperational Risk Specialist vs Credit Analyst

While both roles are vital in financial institutions, the Operational Risk Specialist focuses on identifying and mitigating operational risks across processes, whereas the Credit Analyst evaluates creditworthiness to approve loans. The roles often collaborate but serve different functions within risk management and lending operations.

What does an operational risk specialist do?

An operational risk specialist identifies, assesses, and monitors risks that could disrupt a company's operations, such as process failures, fraud, or system outages. They develop risk mitigation strategies, implement controls, and ensure compliance with regulations, often using data analysis and risk management tools. Their goal is to minimize operational losses and improve overall business resilience.
More about Operational Risk Specialist jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Operational Risk Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Operational Risk Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Operational Risk Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Operational Risk Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Operational Risk Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,940 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Principal Risk Specialist - Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory

Capital One

Mclean, VA • On-site

$99K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Capital One rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 173 rated banks


Job description

Principal Risk Specialist - Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory

As a Principal Risk Specialist at Capital One you'll be responsible for working with business partners to identify and mitigate potential risks to Capital One. You will be the front line of defense to ensure our Company remains stable and profitable.

Principal Risk Specialists in Operational Risk Challenge & Advisory (ORCA) are highly motivated 2nd line Risk Management professionals with excellent organizational and communication skills. They have a high level of exposure across lines of business and have the opportunity to create and implement innovative solutions to identify and mitigate potential risks to the Company.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide 2nd line effective challenge and advice to the 1st line on their execution of various risk assessment processes, including Risk and Control Self Assessments (RCSA), Process Level Assessments (PLA), Product Risk Assessment (PRA), Launch initiatives and others

  • Ensure results of effective challenge activities are properly documented and communicated, and perform detailed data analysis to identify risks, problem areas, and development/completion of remediation plans

  • Serve as subject matter expert to Business Risk Office (BRO) and Independent Risk Management (IRM) functions in the assessment of operational risk

  • Collaborate effectively across multiple organizations such as Operational Risk Management, Risk Oversight Programs, Enterprise Risk Management, Business Risk Offices, Internal Audit etc. to achieve objectives

  • Build relationships and become a trusted advisor to the first line Business Risk Offices

  • Actively participates in team oriented efforts in Operational Risk Challenge and Advisory (ORCA)

  • Be proficient in Enterprise Risk Management's Risk and Control Standards

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree or military experience

  • At least 2 years of experience in Risk Management, Audit, Finance, or Accounting

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree

  • 3+ years of experience in Risk Management, Audit, Finance, or Accounting

  • 1+ years of experience in Process Management

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Project Management Professional (PMP)

  • Advanced skills in Google Sheets and Google Docs

  • Advanced skills in data analysis and data visualization tools (Tableau)

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

McLean, VA: $120,800 - $137,900 for Principal Risk Specialist


Richmond, VA: $109,900 - $125,400 for Principal Risk Specialist










Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate's offer letter.

This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at theCapital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City's Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.

If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com

Capital One does not provide, endorse nor guarantee and is not liable for third-party products, services, educational tools or other information available through this site.

Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).


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